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South African actress Lerato Marabe has reflected on her incredible journey of growing up in front of millions of viewers after spending nearly 15 years on the hit SABC 1 soapie Skeem Saam.
Lerato, who plays the beloved role of Pretty Seakamela, joined the show in 2011 when she was only 11 years old and has since become one of the most recognised faces on South African television.
Speaking during an interview with Andile Ncube on SABC Sport, the actress opened up about the emotional connection she shares with fans who have literally watched her transform from a child star into a leading woman preparing for one of the biggest storylines in the show’s history — Pretty’s wedding.
Andile pointed out how South Africans feel personally attached to Lerato because they have seen her mature on screen over the years. Agreeing with him, Lerato explained that many viewers treat her like family.
“Especially the parents, they feel like they’ve raised me. I am a little sister to a lot of people. I am an older sister to a lot of people, that’s just who I am,” she said.
The actress also praised her onscreen lover Lehasa Maphosa, played by Cedric Fourie, saying he played a huge role in helping her grow professionally in the acting industry.
“My onscreen husband has helped me grow a lot in terms of my craft. He taught me professionalism and the business side of acting. He has helped me grow into a lot of things,” Lerato shared emotionally.
Pretty and Lehasa’s romance has become one of the most talked-about storylines on Skeem Saam. Their traditional wedding already took place after Lehasa paid lobola in 2025, while their highly anticipated white wedding episodes are expected to air on 20 and 21 May 2026.
Lerato admitted that filming the wedding scenes became overwhelming because everything felt so realistic.
“I was stressed during the wedding scenes. On the first day of shooting I was freaking out and crying the whole time. I genuinely felt like a real bride,” she revealed.
The actress also surprised many fans after revealing that despite her years of experience on television, she never formally studied acting. Instead, she is currently studying toward a BCom Law degree while continuing her successful television career.
Meanwhile, Lerato also took time to clear up one of the biggest rumours that has followed her for years — claims that she is married to her onscreen brother Kwaito in real life.
For years, social media users have repeatedly confused television storylines with reality, with some fans genuinely believing that Pretty and Kwaito were related off-screen as well. Lerato laughed off the rumours and clarified that she and Kwaito are not siblings in real life and have never been romantically involved.
The confusion comes after several old stories about Lerato’s alleged marriage resurfaced online again this week. Back in 2021, reports went viral claiming the actress had secretly tied the knot with her “real-life bae” after she shared pictures dressed in traditional bridal attire on Instagram.
At the time, social media exploded with congratulatory messages as many fans believed the young actress had officially gotten married. The pictures showed Lerato wearing beautiful traditional wedding clothes while surrounded by family members during what appeared to be a traditional ceremony.
The viral reports reminded many viewers how fast time had flown since Lerato first appeared on Skeem Saam as a young schoolgirl.
Over the years, the actress has also spoken openly about some of the bizarre experiences that come with fame. In one shocking incident she once revealed that she was slapped by an angry fan in public because the viewer was upset over a storyline involving her character on the show.
Despite the pressures of growing up in the spotlight, Lerato continues to win hearts across South Africa, with many fans praising her for remaining humble, focused on her education, and dedicated to her craft.
